Boris Johnson and Met commissioner visit Southwark police cadets

The Volunteer Police Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation for 10 to 18-year-olds supported by the Metropolitan Police.

The aim of the organisation is to teach life skills, social responsibility and build positive relationships between young people and the police.

Cadets help in their local areas by working alongside safer neighbourhood teams to tackle low-level anti-social behaviour, fundraising for local charities and stewarding high profile events such as Remembrance Day.

The mayor and commissioner watched a drill demonstration and gave their support to Southwark's senior cadets taking part in a six hour static bikeathon to raise money for the Demelza House charity.

"Our expanding cadet programme is extremely important both to us and those that take part," said Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.

"Not only does it provide a brilliant opportunity for young people to take part in exciting challenges but it gives them the chance to give something back to their communities, learn leadership skills and help the police fight crime.

"The cadet programme is open to all and welcomes those young people with more troubled backgrounds including those facing social exclusion or who may become involved in crime.

"By giving these young people a positive environment, surrounded by solid role models and encouraged by the rewards of taking part in useful activity for the benefit of their community we can help turn lives around for the better.

"We need more young people and more adults to sign up as junior cadets, cadets and as cadet leaders to enable us to expand the cadet programme and give these opportunities to as many young people as possible. If you are interested please contact us."

Boris Johnson said: "Uniformed groups like the Volunteer Police Cadets are a fantastic way for young people to make new friends, learn valuable new skills and get involved in their community.

"The cadet scheme is helping to shape the futures of thousands of youngsters in the capital and I hope many more will sign up to take part."